Grilled Mango Chicken Recipe

The Juicy Grilled Mango Chicken Recipe You’ll Adore

Summer simmers with delectable flavors when you blend succulent grilled mango chicken into your weekly menu.

Tropical sweetness mingles perfectly with tender, juicy chicken pieces that promise a mouthwatering experience.

Bright, fresh ingredients dance together in this simple yet sophisticated dish that captures the essence of relaxed dining.

Each bite delivers a burst of vibrant, tangy notes balanced by smoky grill marks and caramelized fruit edges.

Ripe mangoes contribute natural sweetness that transforms ordinary chicken into an extraordinary meal.

Marinating the chicken unlocks deep, complex flavors that will surprise and delight your taste buds.

This recipe offers a quick escape to culinary paradise with minimal effort and maximum satisfaction.

Ingredients for Grilled Mango Chicken Marinade

Proteins:
  • Chicken Breasts: Lean and tender meat that serves as the main protein for this tropical-inspired dish.
Marinade Ingredients:
  • Mango: Sweet and juicy fruit that provides a bright, tropical flavor to the chicken.
  • Lime Juice, Cilantro: Fresh ingredients that add zesty and herbal notes to the marinade.
  • Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that enhances the overall flavor profile of the dish.
Seasoning and Liquid Ingredients:
  • Honey, Soy Sauce, Olive Oil: Combination of sweet, salty, and smooth ingredients that help create a balanced and flavorful marinade.
Garnish:
  • Fresh Cilantro, Lime Wedges: Bright and fresh toppings that add a final burst of flavor and color to the grilled chicken.

Stepwise Grilling Instructions for Mango Chicken

Step 1: Blend Vibrant Marinade

Create a zesty tropical marinade by combining fresh ripe mango, tangy lime juice, minced garlic, smooth olive oil, golden honey, savory soy sauce, and chopped fresh cilantro in a blender.

Pulse until the mixture becomes a smooth, fragrant sauce that will infuse the chicken with incredible flavor.

Step 2: Soak Chicken in Tropical Goodness

Place chicken breasts in a shallow dish and generously coat them with the mango marinade.

Cover and refrigerate, allowing the meat to absorb the delicious flavors for at least 30 minutes.

For maximum taste, you can marinate up to 4 hours.

Step 3: Fire Up the Grill

Heat your grill to medium-high temperature, creating the perfect cooking surface for juicy, caramelized chicken.

Clean and lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking and create beautiful grill marks.

Step 4: Grill to Perfection

Transfer marinated chicken breasts onto the hot grill.

Cook for 6-8 minutes on each side, ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

The marinade will create a gorgeous golden-brown exterior with a hint of caramelization.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Remove chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes.

Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro and serve with bright lime wedges.

The citrusy garnish will enhance the tropical flavors of the mango-infused chicken.

Tips for Juicy, Caramelized Grilled Mango Chicken

  • Let chicken soak in mango mixture for at least 30 minutes, but no more than 2 hours to prevent meat from becoming mushy.
  • Use meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F internally for safe consumption without overcooking.
  • Brush grill grates with oil before cooking to help chicken release easily and maintain beautiful grill marks.
  • Allow chicken to rest 5-7 minutes after cooking so juices redistribute, keeping meat tender and flavorful.
  • Easily substitute chicken breasts with thighs or turkey for different texture and flavor profiles while maintaining similar cooking technique.

Mango Chicken Marinade Variations for More Flavor

  • Tropical Coconut Variation: Replace olive oil with coconut milk and add shredded coconut to the marinade for a richer, island-inspired flavor profile.
  • Spicy Habanero Chicken: Incorporate diced habanero peppers or hot sauce into the marinade for those craving extra heat and bold spiciness.
  • Low-Carb Lettuce Wrap Option: Skip traditional serving and wrap grilled chicken in fresh lettuce leaves, perfect for keto and carb-conscious eaters.
  • Vegetarian Alternative: Substitute chicken with firm tofu or portobello mushrooms, maintaining the same marinade and grilling technique for a plant-based version.

Serving Grilled Mango Chicken with Summer Sides

  • Tropical Paradise Plate: Arrange grilled chicken over a bed of coconut rice, garnishing with extra mango chunks and fresh cilantro for a vibrant island-inspired presentation.
  • Salad Sensation: Slice the grilled chicken and toss it into a mixed green salad with avocado, red onions, and a light citrus vinaigrette for a refreshing meal option.
  • Wrap Wonder: Shred the chicken and stuff it into warm tortillas with crisp slaw, extra mango salsa, and a drizzle of spicy mayo for a handheld delight that bursts with flavor.
  • Protein Power Bowl: Create a nourishing grain bowl with quinoa, roasted vegetables, the grilled mango chicken, and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for a balanced and satisfying lunch.

Storing Grilled Mango Chicken for Easy Meals

  • Store leftover chicken in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, ensuring it's completely cooled before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
  • Wrap individual chicken pieces tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn. Keeps well for 2-3 months.
  • Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate, sprinkle a few drops of water to maintain moisture, and heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through, checking temperature to avoid drying out.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F, place chicken in a baking dish with a splash of chicken broth or water, cover with foil to retain moisture, and warm for 10-15 minutes until heated evenly.

FAQs

  • What are the key ingredients in the mango marinade?

The key ingredients include fresh mango, lime juice, garlic, olive oil, honey, soy sauce, and cilantro, which create a sweet and tangy flavor profile for the chicken.

  • Can I use frozen mango for the marinade?

Yes, frozen mango works well if fresh isn’t available. Just thaw it completely and drain excess liquid before blending to maintain the right marinade consistency.

  • How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). The chicken should be white throughout with no pink areas and have clear juices.

Grilled Mango Chicken – Sweet, Tangy, and Savory

  • Unlock Tropical Flavors: Dive into a vibrant mango marinade that transforms ordinary chicken into a zesty, Caribbean-inspired dish bursting with sweet and tangy notes.
  • Master Quick Weeknight Cooking: Whip up this recipe in under an hour, making it perfect for busy families seeking a delicious, nutritious meal without complicated steps.
  • Celebrate Healthy Grilling: Enjoy a protein-packed dinner that's low in calories, high in flavor, and packed with fresh ingredients that keep your wellness goals on track.
  • Versatile Party Pleaser: Impress guests at barbecues, summer gatherings, or casual dinners with a crowd-pleasing chicken recipe that looks and tastes gourmet but requires minimal culinary skills.
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Grilled Mango Chicken Recipe

Grilled Mango Chicken Recipe


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4.7 from 39 reviews

  • Total Time: 23 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Succulent Grilled Mango Chicken invites tropical flavors to dance on your plate, blending sweet and savory notes. Summer nights become deliciously memorable when you grill this zesty, tangy dish that promises a culinary escape to paradise.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (0.45 kilograms or 1 pound)

Fresh Produce and Seasonings:

  • 3 ripe mangoes
  • 3 cloves garlic
  • 1 red bell pepper
  • 1 small red onion
  • 1 jalapeño
  • 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro
  • 4 tablespoons lime juice (freshly squeezed)
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • Salt
  • Pepper

Cooking Liquids and Oils:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

  1. Pulverize ripe mango, zesty lime juice, minced garlic, extra virgin olive oil, golden honey, umami-rich soy sauce, and fragrant cilantro into a smooth, vibrant marinade.
  2. Submerge chicken breasts in the tropical marinade, allowing flavors to infuse for a minimum of half an hour in the refrigerator.
  3. Heat outdoor grill to 400°F, creating an even, medium-high temperature zone for consistent cooking.
  4. Transfer marinated chicken onto preheated grill grates, positioning pieces to avoid direct flame contact.
  5. Cook chicken for 6-7 minutes on initial side, achieving beautiful golden-brown grill marks and caramelized edges.
  6. Flip chicken carefully, grilling additional 5-6 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F and juices run clear.
  7. Remove from grill and let protein rest for 3-4 minutes to redistribute internal moisture.
  8. Garnish with fresh cilantro sprigs and squeeze bright lime wedges over the top for a final burst of citrusy brightness.

Notes

  • Ensure mangoes are ripe and sweet for the most flavorful marinade, selecting fruits that yield slightly when gently pressed.
  • Marinate chicken for maximum 2 hours to prevent the acid from breaking down protein fibers and making meat mushy.
  • Pat chicken dry before grilling to achieve beautiful caramelized grill marks and prevent steaming instead of searing.
  • For gluten-free option, replace soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos to maintain the rich umami flavor profile.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 13 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: Caribbean

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 265 kcal
  • Sugar: 18 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8.5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 22 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 85 mg
Michael Reyes

Michael Reyes

Founder & Lead Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Southwestern and Latin American cuisine
  • Developing easy single-serving recipes
  • Food styling and food photography

Education

Santa Fe Community College

  • Program: Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Practical, hands-on learning in essential kitchen skills, including food safety, hygiene, knife techniques, and kitchen organization.

Michael’s love for cooking runs deep, rooted in the bold, colorful flavors of his New Mexico upbringing.
After earning his Culinary Arts Certificate from Santa Fe Community College, he spent years sharpening his skills in kitchens that celebrated traditional Southwestern and Latin American dishes.
He believes cooking should feel approachable and fun, never complicated. When he’s not stirring up new recipe ideas, Michael’s out hiking scenic trails, chatting with farmers at local markets, or chasing the perfect sunset shot for inspiration.

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